Located around 45 kilometres from Peyrusse-Grande, Auch offers the chance to explore Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the monumental staircase, the ‘pousterles’ and several iconic sites in the capital of Gascony in a single day. In November, the quieter crowds make it the perfect time to explore the historic centre and the area’s heritage.
Here at Les Bergeries de d’Artagnan, we love to make the most of our location in the heart of the Gers to explore the towns and villages that tell the story of Gascony. Among the day trips we can easily plan, a visit to Auch in November 2026 offers the chance to discover another side to the department, with its religious heritage, ancient alleyways, architecture and walks along the banks of the Gers. From our holiday cottage in Peyrusse-Grande, depending on the route you choose, it takes around fifty minutes by car to reach the centre of Auch.
Why visit Auch in November 2026?
Auch is the prefecture of the Gers and one of the main historic towns of Gascony. Its old town is situated on high ground, centred around Sainte-Marie Cathedral and several remarkable buildings. Much of the town can be explored on foot, making it easy to plan a day’s visit without having to travel too far.
November offers a different atmosphere to the height of the summer season. The streets are generally quieter, so we can take more time to admire the façades, wander through the narrow streets of the town centre and take a few breaks throughout the day. To plan your day out and check the visiting arrangements for the various monuments, we recommend that you consult the Official website of the Grand Auch Cœur de Gascogne Tourist Office before you leave.
Discover Sainte-Marie Cathedral in Auch
St Mary’s Cathedral is, of course, one of the first places to visit when exploring Auch. Its construction began at the end of the 15th century and continued for several generations. Today, the building occupies a central place in the town’s skyline and offers an insight into a significant part of its religious and architectural history.
Inside, the eye is drawn in particular to the building’s spaces, the chancel and the decorative features. The cathedral is one of the monuments associated with the Routes of Santiago de Compostela listed as a World Heritage Site. For further information on its heritage, you can also visit the website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Go down the grand staircase and meet d’Artagnan
Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral lies one of Auch’s most recognisable landmarks: the monumental staircase. Built in the 19th century, it connects the upper town with the lower part of Auch. Its 354 steps are spread over several levels, offering different views of the town and, weather permitting, of the Pyrenees.
We also find the statue of d'Artagnan, a particularly familiar sight when staying in this part of the Gers. For our guests, this stop creates a natural link with the other attractions on offer around our house. In particular, you can explore this theme further during a a visit to the d’Artagnan Museum in Lupiac, a village situated near Peyrusse-Grande.
Explore the narrow streets and the historic centre
As well as visiting the major monuments, we also enjoy exploring Auch simply on foot. The push them are small, ancient paths, often steep or laid out as steps, which used to connect the different levels of the town. They are one of the defining features of the historic centre and offer an alternative route to the main streets.
The walk can then continue around Rue Dessoles, Place Salinis or the various historic buildings in the upper town. The Tourist Office also offers a walking tour that takes in several of the town centre’s main attractions in around two hours.
Plan a visit suited to the November weather
In November, the days are shorter and the weather can change quickly. We therefore recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, particularly for walking along sloping streets and up and down stairs, as well as clothing suitable for the rain. The ground may be damp, particularly on cobbled streets and in the archways.
This time of year also makes it easy to alternate between outdoor visits and indoor activities. Before setting off, it is best to check the up-to-date opening times for monuments and cultural venues, as some sites may adjust their opening hours during the low season.
Returning to the peace and quiet of our holiday cottage after a day in Auch
After spending the day in the capital of Gascony, we return to Peyrusse-Grande and the more rural setting of Les Bergeries d’Artagnan. This contrast allows us to combine a cultural outing to Auch with a holiday focused on the countryside, the scenery and the moments shared in our home.
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Our location also means we can enjoy a variety of experiences over several days. We can visit Marciac, Nogaro, Lupiac, Aignan or other villages in the Gers without having to base the whole holiday around a single destination. You can find several suggestions on our page dedicated to Things to do near our holiday cottage in the Gers or plan another day with our selection dedicated to a a holiday near Marciac.
FAQ
What is there to see in Auch in November 2026?
In particular, we recommend exploring Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the monumental staircase and the statue of d’Artagnan, the city gates and the streets of the historic centre. A stroll along the banks of the Gers can round off your visit, weather permitting.
How long does it take to visit Auch?
In a single day, you can explore several major attractions at a leisurely pace. The Tourist Office also offers a walking tour of the historic centre, which takes around two hours and is a great way to get to know the town.
What is the distance between Peyrusse-Grande and Auch?
Auch is situated about 40 to 45 kilometres by road from Peyrusse-Grande, depending on the route taken. The journey usually takes around fifty minutes by car.
Is it possible to explore Auch on foot?
Yes. Once in the town centre, many heritage sites are within walking distance. However, you should bear in mind the terrain, as the Upper Town, the ‘pousterles’ and the monumental staircase all feature several sloping sections and numerous steps.
What is there to do in the Gers after visiting Auch?
From our holiday cottage, you can round off your stay by exploring Lupiac and the story of d’Artagnan, visiting Marciac, heading to Nogaro or exploring the nearby bastides and villages. This variety means you can enjoy a mix of heritage, landscapes and local attractions all during the same holiday.
